What is Mesmerism? A state of mesmerism is induced in the subject as a result of mesmeric passes. It can free the sufferer from the enclosing nature of repetitious thoughts, so creating the opportunity for change.

Probably best described by the results it brings about, the following are self reports from subjects in answer to the question "How did that feel"?

"So beautiful. I was just a point of consciousness floating on waves of energy. I felt so safe";

and "Not relaxed, but funny. I lost my body just following my thoughts. Then I lost myself";

and "Quiet, sedate. No thoughts. Just feeling lighter".

Mesmerism is often and incorrectly considered to be a primitive forerunner to hypnosis.

Reference:
McGarry, James (1980) MESMERISM vs HYPNOSIS: A Comparison Of Relaxation
Responses And Evaluation Of Mental And Psychophysiological Outcomes.
The Australian Journal of Clinical Hypnotherapy and Hypnosis Vol.8 -number 1 -March 1987